Matthew 2 Part 1–The Magi’s Visit

During the exile in Babylon, Daniel and his friends were used and blessed by God. Because of the dreams he interpreted, Daniel was considered the chief of the magicians–the Magi. Even back during that time, they were told to watch for the birth of the Messiah–the one that would bring freedom to Israel. Still, most were looking for an Earthly king to lead the uprising that would again make Israel a great nation on earth. They did not realize his Kingdom was heavenly and reign eternal.

Now, hundreds of years later, the signs told to the Magi appeared, and the star of Bethlehem had beckoned for them to come and see the Messiah–the King of the Jews. They made the journey and found the Messiah. When they informed Herod of what they considered great news, he immediately felt fear and threat–of course…after all he was king, right? Still, the Magi were able to complete the journey, bless the Messiah and fulfill the prophecy.

In today’s world, the Gospel of God–Jesus is the best news we can get. While we were yet sinners, Christ came and died for us. He wants nothing more than to redeem us from the sin and death we carry. That is the stuff of miracles and celebration.

Sadly, like Herod, most of our world sees that as a threat. They fear that they will have to give something up or quit having fun. So, the name and thought of Jesus puts them on edge and drives a wedge between them and any who would follow the Lord. Still, like the Magi, the rest of us celebrate Jesus’ birth and His life. We see the gift Jesus is, and are grateful and thankful for our redemption, and his promise of eternal life. We offer our lives, talents and treasures to the one that gave everything for us! We are not looking for an earthly king, instead, we are looking for our redeemer and our Lord!!!

God Bless You

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a rulerwho will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.